Origin and Meaning of Klaus

Victory of the people

Origin: German - Klaus is a diminutive form of Nikolaus, which comes from the Greek name Nikolaos. The name means 'victory of the people,' derived from the elements 'nike' (victory) and 'laos' (people).

• Klaus is a traditional name in Germany and other German-speaking countries, often associated with St. Nicholas.
• The name is especially popular in Germany, Austria, and parts of Scandinavia, but is less common in English-speaking nations.
• Notable bearers of the name include Klaus Barbie, a notorious WWII figure, and Klaus Schwab, founder of the World Economic Forum.
• Klaus saw a surge in popularity during the mid-20th century, particularly in Europe, but has experienced fluctuations in the 21st century.
• Variations of the name include Nikolaus (German origin), Nicholas (English), and Nikolai (Slavic).